Lihou Island

Check the tides, pack your sandwiches and trek across the winding, cobbled causeway, exposed only at low tide which, in itself, presents a unique opportunity to explore the interesting wildlife, both above the water and below.

10 years ago, Lihou and the nearby L'Eree headland were designated as Guernsey's first RAMSAR wetland site and the marine reserve is now home to more than 200 species of seaweed and 150 species of bird.

Once on Lihou, take the path to the left of the house (which was shelled during the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during WW2 and now offers group accommodation). A couple of minutes down the path you'll find a ruined priory, head to the end of the Island and you'll reach the famous Venus Pool.

Stick to the shoreline if you want to see the best of the wildlife which has made this tiny place their Island home. You'll have just enough time for a bit of rockpooling - but be sure to get back across the causeway before time runs out and the tide cuts the Island off once again!

Don't leave without....

A swim in the Venus Pool
Not for the fainthearted, this natural rock pool is deep enough to jump in

A visit to the Priory ruins
Built by the Benedictine monks, the Priory is thought to date back to 1114.

Getting to Lihou

Lihou offers a real Famous Five adventure. The island is accessed by a causeway at low tides throughout the year and is free of charge. As well as the ruins of an old priory to explore, there is the Venus Pool, a natural pool that forms at low tide, where the brave take a dip. A bird spotter’s paradise, Lihou and the surrounding area is a Ramsar site, which means they are recognised as an area of excellence when it comes to wetlands. Lihou is often exposed and, even in summer, can be chilly. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes (and your swimmers if you want to venture into the Venus Pool). For more information on Lihou, and to check when the causeway is open throughout the year, visit their website.

There are no eateries on Lihou, so take a packed lunch and refreshments.